BREAK THE BARRIERS INC

Founded in 1984, Break the Barriers’ mission is to serve individuals of all ages, abilities, and socioeconomic statuses and assist them in achieving optimal physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Break the Barriers works in the community to provide inclusive services and innovative solutions that improve quality of life, which helps individuals develop their full potential and overcome both physical and mental confinements of fear and hopelessness that their situations can place on them. Our primary goals are to help people in underserved communities, including those in poverty, the disabled, veterans, youth, and their families, develop the skills they need to achieve success.
We primarily serve our community through our 39,000 square-foot Ability Center, which is home to 27 inclusive programs. We are maximizing our resources to serve where needs are greatest in Fresno County. Evidence-based interventions, like our Fast ForWord Literacy Program, closed the educational gap for 98 youth last year who have been historically left behind the academic achievements of their peers. We also have Sports & Performing Arts opportunities, which star youth of all abilities as dancers, musicians, and teammates. Our Buddy Program, which currently has 1,950 students enrolled, pairs special education students with regular education students to take courses together so they can grow together without judgement or developing stereotypes. We have also recently launched a Workforce Accessibility Initiative that prepares older youth, particularly those with disabilities, for the workforce by partnering with local businesses and organizations to offer classes in workforce readiness.